“Friendswood High School Gym Roof Collapse Claims Construction Worker’s Life”

On June 14, tragedy struck Friendswood High School in Texas when the boy’s gym roof collapsed, resulting in the death of one construction worker and injuries to three others. The incident prompted the closure of the high school while investigations were carried out by the contractor, ICI, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

After a month-long investigation, officials announced on July 18 that a load-bearing wall being taken out was the possible cause of the collapse. The wall, which was not initially identified as load-bearing during planning, was removed as part of the interior demolition of the Walter Wilson Fieldhouse. This demolition was part of the district’s bond program, which aimed to renovate the high school.

In a letter sent to district staff and parents, Friendswood ISD revealed that different engineering firms had confirmed the removal of the load-bearing wall as a potential reason for the tragedy. The site of the collapse has now been handed back over to the district, and efforts are being made to reopen Friendswood High School to staff on August 7 and to students on August 15.

Superintendent Thad Roher provided a construction update in his weekly letter, stating that the area affected by the collapse would not be ready before the return of students and staff. However, plans are in place to keep students away from the affected area. The district is also working to obtain clearance from the city of Friendswood to allow access to other facilities that were not connected to the collapsed area.

In the event that these facilities cannot be accessed, alternative arrangements are being made. The school’s tennis locker rooms are set to open on August 31, and access to the new gym will likely be available in October.

The Friendswood High School roof collapse was a tragic event that resulted in the loss of a construction worker’s life. The investigation into the incident has shed light on the potential cause, and steps are being taken to ensure the safety of students and staff upon their return..